Atlético de Madrid’s Board of Directors has unanimously backed the club’s decision not to negotiate with Barcelona over the transfer of Julián Álvarez, despite growing pressure from the Catalan giants to sign the Argentine forward.

The Madrid club has reiterated that it has no intention of discussing a deal with Barcelona and will only consider Alvarez’s departure if his €500 million release clause is activated.

In a statement, Atlético’s Board acknowledged that the club remains open to normal transfer-market negotiations when conducted in a “professional, ethical and respectful manner.” However, they insist Barcelona failed to meet those requirements in their approach for the 26-year-old.

The Board said it “fully stands behind the club’s previously communicated position” that there will be no negotiations with Barcelona and that there is “zero consideration” of an Alvarez transfer to the Catalan club.

Atlético also expressed confidence that Alvarez would respect the decision and remain focused on the club’s objectives, pointing to his commitment throughout his two seasons in the Spanish capital.

The Argentine has established himself as one of Atlético’s most important players since arriving from Manchester City in 2024. He has scored 49 goals across all competitions for Diego Simeone’s side, making him a central figure in the club’s plans.

However, his future has become one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer after Barcelona stepped up their interest. The La Liga champions had a €100 million bid rejected in June, with Atlético maintaining that Alvarez is not for sale.

Barcelona Refuse to Abandon Alvarez Pursuit

Barcelona president Joan Laporta revealed this week that the €100 million offer remains on the table should Atlético reconsider their position and would be willing to even pay as much as €150 million for the player.

The Catalan club’s pursuit has also been strengthened by an agreement on personal terms with the Argentine. Alvarez has reportedly expressed his desire to move to Barcelona, creating a difficult situation for Atlético as they attempt to retain their star forward.

Atléti, however, has shown little willingness to compromise. They insist Barcelona must pay the player’s €500 million release clause if they want to take him to Camp Nou, effectively removing negotiations from the equation.

The stance is also influenced by Atlético’s unwillingness to strengthen a direct domestic rival. While the club is prepared to consider doing business with teams abroad, Barcelona’s status as a La Liga competitor makes a negotiated transfer particularly difficult.

Arsenal have also held an interest in in the former Manchester City striker but the Argentina international has reportedly turned down the Premier League champions as he continues to favour a move to Barcelona.

Barcelona’s need for attacking reinforcements has increased following the departures of Robert Lewandowski to Chicago Fire and Ferran Torres to Paris Saint-Germain. Torres made an immediate impact for PSG, scoring twice on his debut in a 2-2 draw with Stade Rennes on the opening weekend of Ligue 1.

Alvarez Faces Growing Pressure at Atletico

The uncertainty surrounding Alvarez has already begun to create tension between the player and Atlético supporters.

The forward was booed by sections of the Atlético faithful after coming off the bench during the club’s match against Villarreal.

He also did not join his teammates when they went over to acknowledge supporters, further highlighting the strain surrounding his situation.

For Atlético, allowing Alvarez to leave for Barcelona would represent more than simply losing a prolific attacker. It would mean strengthening a direct rival with a player who has quickly become one of the club’s most valuable assets.

For Alvarez, the situation presents a difficult choice. He has already established himself as a key player at Atlético and remains under contract, but his reported desire to join Barcelona has placed his relationship with the supporters under increasing scrutiny.

For now, Atlético’s Board has delivered its strongest message yet. There will be no special deal for Barcelona, and unless the Catalan club is prepared to trigger Alvarez’s enormous release clause, the forward is expected to remain in Madrid.